Many people believe the roller coasters origin started in the 1400s in St. Petersburg, Russia. The early roller coaster did not even roll at all. In fact, it was just an Ice Slide. They where usually nicknamed "Ice Mountains." For at the time they were very tall. They were about 70 feet high with an angle of descent of about 50 degrees. 50 degrees was steeper than most coasters in the 1920s. There was sand at the end of the stretch after the hill to stop the rider. Sometimes it worked sometimes it did not. Some creative designers even made bumps at the end, which were very dangerous. The cars were blocks of ice (sometimes wood, but especially ice) with the top hollowed out and lined with wood and wool for the riders to sit on. There was a short rope that went through a small drilled hole that the rider could hold onto. The rides where so risky that they required skill by the rider. Many people made money by teaching others for a fee. The rides were so popular they were built inside with waxed wooden slopes. Catharine the Great even took part and rode the slides.

PUBLISHED DATE	1884 PARIS
ARTIST	GERLIER
ENGRAVED BY	PANNEMAKER
PUBLISHER	THOMAS DE LAMOTTE SAINTE-MARTIN
PAGE SIZE: approx	14 3/4 INCHES x 10 1/2 INCHES
IMAGE SIZE: approx	7 1/2 X 6 1/2 inches
CONDITION	FOLIO INTEXT ENGRAVING with text on the back . Excellent condition. Heavier paper.Suitable ageing. The image is clean, clear and sharp with beautiful depth and detail.